Some places I loved exploring through the years, and that are captured in hundreds of film rolls and memory cards include Turkey, Cyprus, New Zealand, and Portugal, among others. I spent a lot of time wandering the streets of Istanbul to find unique examples of colourful buildings and urban living. The Cappadocia landscape is where you get the most beautiful gradient shadows and colours. The great landscape photographer Ansel Adams once said that the best subjects are the ones that make you “feel, think, and dream.” That’s what visiting Cyprus and New Zealand was like for me.
WHAT GOT ME
HOOKED TO PHOTOGRAPHY
I was a shy kid growing up, always keeping to myself and was pretty much a closed book. This 'shy me' stayed till college when photography opened a whole new world for me and allowed me to break out of my shell.
I don't remember the exact moment or reason that sparked my interest in photography. But I clearly remember the day I went with my dad to this tiny shop in a crowded market in Chandni Chowk, New Delhi to buy my first camera - it was a Nikon F 80 35mm film camera. I loved holding it in my hand and I would take it everywhere I went. Initially, I was fixated with every shot turning out perfect. But instead, sometimes the pictures would turn out blurry or would lack depth and meaning. Those were the days before digital cameras, so I would only find out much later whether the shots taken had come out well, or whether they were just blurry close ups. However, while the pictures may not have been masterpieces, I soon started letting go, and stopped worrying about getting the "perfect" shot. My camera soon ignited in me a passion for travelling and discovering new places. After college, I studied photography, followed by some exciting and diverse professional work ranging from individual and family portraits, to photographing for book covers and documenting the work and projects of organizations in the development sector.
WORKING IN THE
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
The desire to learn more about health and development issues led me to signing up for a 9-to-5 job. From 2015 onwards, I started working full time with a global health communications and advocacy firm. I enjoyed working on and learning about different health issues and advocacy skills and tools. While I was there, I got to work on reproductive rights and abortion, an issue that has become extremely close to my heart as it intersects with health, gender equality, and human rights.
Working on this project was a defining phase of my life as it also took me to South Africa, where I spent a considerable amount of time.
My passion for travel, adventure and photography
Every trip has been an adventure and an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. I have tried things I never could’ve imagined - be it sky diving in New Jersey or going deep sea diving in Cyprus to see the Wreck of Zenobia. Some of my fondest memories are of wandering in some of these cities, late at night, with people I met because of photography.
Where I am today
I work in the development and human rights sector - writing about, photo documenting and implementing campaigns. I believe that every person has the right to live a life free from discrimination, violence, and oppression, and that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world. I am equally and deeply concerned about the mistreatment and exploitation of animals in our world. Whether it's factory farming, animal testing, or wildlife trafficking, I believe that we must take a more compassionate and ethical approach to how we interact with and care for animals. I am committed to raising awareness about these issues and advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of animals.
I'm happiest when exploring new places with my camera in hand and chasing adventures. Exploring new destinations are all high on my priority list.
Apart from this, I love learning new crafts and I am always up for going for long walks and nature hikes.
I'd love to know more about you. Drop in a line here to say hi, or leave a comment.
